By Jeff Faraudo
#WCChoops columnist | ARCHIVES
 
Senior Eli Scott made sure that first-year Loyola Marymount coach Stan Johnson got a victory in his University Credit Union West Coast Conference Tournament debut. 

Scott scored 24 points — including nine in the final 7 minutes — grabbed a career-best 14 rebounds and dished four assists, leading the No. 5 seed Lions to a 70-66 win over USF on Friday night at Orleans Arena.

But one victory in Las Vegas doesn’t satisfy Scott. 

“It meant a lot, but it was just a stepping stone for us. We didn’t come here to win just one game,” said Scott, who will lead the Lions (13-8) into Saturday’s 6 p.m. quarterfinal against fourth-seeded Saint Mary’s (13-8). 

“We’re here to at least make a statement, to build a foundation for next year and the years following. But it felt good to get one under our belt.”

The Lions lost their only game against the Gaels this season, and Johnson understands how good Randy Bennett’s program has been for the past 15 years.

“Saint Mary’s speaks for itself. They’ve got one of the best coaches in America, they’ve got one of the best programs in America,” Johnson said. “We’re going to have to play a lot better to have a chance to win that game, but we’re excited about that.”

The Lions swept three games this season from USF (11-14), and Johnson said Friday's win is just a part of building his program.

“Our expectation is to win basketball games, and winning’s really hard,” he said. “I’m excited for our team. Like Eli said, we came here with a chip on our shoulder, we came here on a mission and we came here to be a big part of what’s going on here in this tournament.”

The Lions, playing without starting forward Keli Leaupepe (foot), shot 60 percent from the field and made 18 of 21 free throws, including 8 for 9 over the final 2 1/2 minutes. Mattias Markusson, LMU’s 7-foot-3 senior center, scored 17 points on 5-for-6 accuracy from the field and 7 for 7 at the foul line. Freshman point guard Jalen Anderson and forward Ivan Alipiev — who started in place of Leaupepe — scored 10 points apiece.

But Scott carried the heaviest load. “He killed us,” USF coach Todd Golden said.

Scott said he and Johnson had a conversation before the season about what role Scott needed to play on this team.

"He said if you want to be a big-time player, one of the best players in the country you have to do it when it counts,” Scott said. “Nobody’s going to remember the first two minutes of the game. They’re only going to remember the last four, and I just try to pride myself on that.”

BOUYEA’S FINALE: USF senior point guard Jamaree Bouyea had 12 points, six rebounds and seven assists in the season finale. Afterward, Golden had praise for the Dons’ first-team All-WCC selection. 

“He’s fantastic,” Golden said. “He really came into his own. You saw it coming on last year as he replaced Frankie (Ferrari) in terms of playing the point. 

“This year he was just really consistent. He did a really good job running the team. Played close to 40 minutes most night and was able to play through fatigue. He’s been a really integral part of our program the past four years.”

LEAUPEPE’S ABSENCE: Scott said the Lions all felt like they needed to do a little extra with sophomore forward Keli Leaupepe (10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds) in a boot on the sidelines.

“Keli’s a great player. He’s the heart and soul of our team. To fill in that role, it’s going to take a little bit from everybody, especially from me,” he said. “Hopefully we get him back soon.”

Leaupepe was a revelation in last year’s WCC tournament, posting 23 points and 10 rebounds in a first-round victory over San Diego. No word on when the 6-foot-6, 250-pounder from Melbourne, Australia might return.

STAT OF THE GAME: LMU had just three second-half turnovers after the Lions coughed up 12 in the first half. USF scored 17 points off those turnovers in the first 20 minutes but managed just five more in the second half courtesy of LMU’s giveaways.

QUOTE OF THE GAME: “Eli, in my opinion, has been the best player in the league.” — LMU coach Stan Johnson on senior forward Eli Scott